Clean-Catch Urine Sample: Boys

What is a clean-catch urine sample?

A clean-catch urine sample is a way to collect urine that helps keep bacteria that are normally on your skin out of the sample. Your healthcare provider can then test the urine for bacteria in your urinary tract. Other tests may also be done on the urine sample. The urinary tract includes your:

Kidneys, which make urine

Ureters, which are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder

Bladder, which stores urine

Urethra, which is the tube that drains urine from the bladder

How do I collect the sample of urine?

Your child’s healthcare provider will give you a cup and cleaning wipes to use for collecting the urine sample. Follow your provider’s advice for how to collect the sample. Some general guidelines are listed below.

Calmly explain to your child what you are going to do. You can explain the steps to an older child or teen so he can collect the sample by himself.

In the bathroom, you or your teen will need to wash your hands with soap and water.

If the cup has a plastic wrapper and lid, remove it. Do not touch the inside of the lid or the inside of the cup. Place the lid top side down on a clean counter or paper towel.

Before your child starts urinating, gently clean the tip of his penis around the opening with the cleaning wipes provided. Use each wipe only once and then throw it into the trash. Don't use soap. If your child is not circumcised, gently pull the foreskin back before you wash the tip of the penis. Keep holding it back until you are done getting the urine sample.

Have your child start urinating into the toilet. Do not touch the cup to your child’s skin. Let the first few drops of urine go into the toilet and then put the cup under the stream of urine. Try to fill the cup at least half full. Move the cup away from the urine stream and let your child finish urinating into the toilet.

Put the lid on the cup tightly and wash your hands.

If you collect the urine sample at home, write your child’s name on the cup with a permanent marker. Follow any directions your child’s health provider gives you for taking the sample to the lab.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.